World Soccer Is Rich With Tourism Opportunities

Soccer is an underdog in the North America sports scene, coming way down the list of most popular games.

Nobody is betting that NFL Football, NBA Basketball or MLB Baseball have much to worry about MLS Soccer anytime soon.

Even the arrival of David Beckham at Major League Soccer franchise LA Galaxy could not knock the established sports off the podium.

However, beyond the borders of North America, soccer is king. It’s the world’s most popular sport.

Sports Tourism Guide presents incredible opportunities to enjoy World Soccer, combining a fantastic vacation with a taste of the planet’s most-watched sporting activity.

1) See An English Premier League Soccer Match

Known as EPL, the Premier League has the widest distribution of any national sporting competition. It’s broadcast around the world.

Top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have attracted fans from Tokyo to Toronto, Buenos Aires to Belgium, and beyond.

Soccer fans should include English Premier League soccer on their must-do list of sports events.

A visit to Old Trafford, Anfield, St. James’ Park (the home of Newcastle Football Club) or any of the other impressive, atmospheric English soccer stadiums will guarantee you a day to remember.

2) Watch The Barcelona Soccer Team In Spain

Without a doubt, the current Barcelona team is the world’s most talented club side. Barcelona’s squad includes a glittering array of superstar players, including current World Cup holders Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Pedro, Pique and Puyol, and the man who is universally acclaimed as the world’s greatest player, Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The biggest game in Spain’s La Liga championship is always Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Dubbed “El Classico”, with cup games as well, there are usually at least four El Classicos per season, more if the teams meet in the Champions League European soccer tournament.

Tickets for these sought-after games often sell out months in advance, so be prepared to plan far, far ahead if you want to see Barcelona take on their old rivals.

If you’re less fussy about the opposition, then Barcelona plays lots of quality Spanish teams over the course of a season. Valencia and Athletico Madrid are two of the biggest.

3) Visit A Top Soccer Stadium

World soccer has dozens of stadiums that any sports fan would find welcoming. Tens of thousands of passionate fans can turn a concrete bowl into an excellent place to watch sport.

Some Of The Best Stadiums Include:

Wembley, London, UK – The spiritual home of soccer, and recently rebuilt on an impressive scale. The new Wembley is a soccer landmark visible from miles away. The unmistakable arch rises high over the London landscape. Used for cup finals, including the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as home international matches for the England soccer team.

Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain – Home to the legendary Real Madrid, nine-times winners of the European Cup, and one of the most impressive soccer stadiums in the world. Practice sessions regularly attract several thousand local fans, and the home games are almost always sold out, so plan well in advance.

Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Home to several local Brazilian soccer teams, including Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama. Brazilians are very passionate about soccer, their national sport, and crowds at this world-famous stadium are notoriously colorful and noisy. The Maracanã is historical; it first opened in 1950, when Brazil hosted the World Cup soccer tournament.